Gilas Pilipinas Women stalwart Janine Pontejos hopes that the WMPBL can open doors for non-UAAP players to make it to the national team.
Janine Pontejos has high hopes for the potential talents developed by the ongoing WMPBL Invitational.
That is, that the league gets to turn stones that were otherwise undiscovered — especially with collegiate teams playing in the tournament.
From Centro Escolar University herself, Pontejos is among the handful of players who didn’t play with big UAAP programs that are currently on the roster for Gilas Pilipinas Women.
But with more talent being exposed to more competitive games and attention with the WMPBL Invitational, Pontejos believes that there is untapped potential in other Filipina ballers across the country.
During one of the Lady Scorpions’ games in the WMPBL, Pontejos spoke about how the league can help develop the national team’s pool of talents for future competitions.
“Maganda tong WMPBL kasi nga madami kasing players na hindi natin nakikita. Outside UAAP. So yun, meron silang opportunity na makasali sa Gilas at makikita rin namin, and the coaches of Gilas, meron pala talagang mga player na kaya nilang maglaro kahit hindi sila galing UAAP,” said Pontejos.
Pontejos said that the WMPBL won’t need to look far either — as she also urged her own players to reach for the stars.
Having done it herself, Pontejos said that her Lady Scorpions could do the same if they simply worked hard enough.
Unlike Pontejos, her players will also have more experience and guidance this time around, with her at the helm.
“Of course, goal ko yun [na magkaron ng CEU player sa Gilas] kasi yun nga sabi ko nga sa kanila lagi na nakikita niyong hindi ako galing ng UAAP, so, narating ko yung national team so bakit hindi niyo makakaya diba?” she said.
“So, [sabi ko sa kanila] effort lang kayo and trabahuhin niyo lang yung gusto niyo marating din. Tutulungan ko kayo,” she added.
The Lady Scorpions recently nabbed their first win in the WMPBL, when they beat the EZ Jersey Relentless, 68-65, last February 2.
Showing their mettle against more seasoned teams in the league, the Lady Scorpions will look to show their potential to everyone watching — but most importantly, for Gilas Women scouts.